Established in Weatherford TX, as a 1½ day camp in 2013, it has evolved to the 4½ day camp It is today. This camp was founded by Judy James and the late Pam Tarpley because they saw a need to perpetuate Western history and heritage. Knowing that we are one generation away from losing our heritage, their vision was always to preserve and protect our Western lifestyle and heritage through Western music. It starts with the youth of America. And” it starts with music.
The Y Bar J Camp provides participants the opportunity to work on and be introduced to a variety of music, poetry, and performance skills. They learn from recognized professionals in the Western Entertainment industry. Students work with vocal and instrument instructors and receive instruction in music theory, poetry, songwriting, and professionalism. The week culminates in a public concert, which is open to the public, featuring group and individual performances by the young campers.
Through the years campers have come from New Mexico, Virginia, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas.
No matter what people think of you, always keep singing your own song
OUR PURPOSE
Y Bar J Youth Western Music and Poetry Camp exists to aid and enhance the individual talents of the participants through music and poetry with the emphasis on Western music, Western swing, and Gospel music along with cowboy poetry. We offer instruction in guitar, fiddle, bass, mandolin, voice, poetry, song writing, music theory as well as group songs, covering Western swing (the official music of Texas), Cowboy/Western music and Gospel music.
We believe that it is our responsibility and privilege to inspire these young people to do all they do for the glory of God
. . .Soli Deo Gloria
OUR MISSION
Y Bar J Youth Music and Poetry Camp connects and empowers young music enthusiasts. We desire to impart Christian values, along with educating and encouraging the preservation, performance, and composition of historical and contemporary Western music and Poetry of the American West; with a strong emphasis on the code of the West.